The attacking bite has added an extra layer to Freiburg’s play, which remains grounded in a solid spine. Mark Flekken operates as a dependable goalkeeper behind the composed defence. Vincenzo Grifo’s neat wing play has made him Freiburg’s top goalscorer for the past two Bundesliga seasons, and he tops the internal scoring charts again with six strikes so far this campaign.
Union topped the Bundesliga for the first time ever after Freiburg made way for them in Matchday 6 after a 1-0 win in Cologne. They set up camp at the summit for six further matchdays and are now second behind Bayern Munich. Urs Fischer’s side also progressed from the Europa League group stages, and can look forward to a tasty encounter with Ajax in the spring. Solid foundationsKeeping things tight at the back has been the key to the two plucky challengers finding their feet in the upper echelons of the table. Both sides have conceded 16 goals – giving them the joint second-best defensive records after leaders Bayern.
Janik Haberer was released from Freiburg on a free transfer in the summer but has settled in seamlessly in Berlin – and might fancy his chances of charging forward from midfield to nick a goal against his former club after hitting three already this season. The coachesStreich has served to further underline his already legendary status at Freiburg with the flying start to the season. The longest-serving coach in the Bundesliga has inspired a real assurance to his side’s play with his clear ideas and plain talking. He has sought to take the pressure off his charges and encourage them to enjoy their unprecedented domestic and European success – stressing that survival from relegation remains the main objective for the humble Black Forest outfit.
Grifo and Günter are also reliable set-piece specialists, with Gregoritsch’s big and agile frame providing a great outlet for their deliveries. Union go into the encounter with two more goals to their name (23) than Freiburg. Jordan has proved to be a canny attacking signing from Young Boys with three strikes so far. Having been dropped to the bench for the 2-2 draw against Augsburg in midweek and left out of the US Men’s National Team squad for the World Cup, the frontman will be determined to seize his last chance to find the net before the winter break. Watch: Deadly Duo - Jordan and BeckerSheraldo Becker slotted in a spectacular first in the Augsburg encounter for his seventh goal of the season.
Sport-Club Freiburg vs. 1. FC Union Berlin (Bundesliga) - ESPN
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Christian Streich’s men have waltzed their way to a near impeccable start in their first full campaign at their shiny new Europa-Park Stadion. A 3-2 win at Bayer Leverkusen on Matchday 5 put them top of the table, and they have not dropped out of the top three since. They are on an unbeaten run of five home league games and have taken their confidence and efficiency around the continent to stunning effect – finishing runaway winners of their UEFA Europa League group. Freiburg's first full season at their new Europa-Park Stadion is already proving to be a memorable one. - /Remarkably, Union travel south with the exact same points tally (27) and number of wins as Freiburg (eight). The much-loved side from the capital have also enjoyed an autumn of superlatives.